I used to wear a WWJD bracelet. But I wasn’t asking myself “What would Jesus do?” I was asking myself, “What will John do?” I had a nasty habit sin of “allowing” myself to get into compromising situations. I think a lot of us struggle with that “habit.” But that is another story, for another time.
Recently, I heard Rick Warren talk about leadership in the church. And one thing he said really resonated with me. Rick said,
“It’s not IMITATION of Christ, it’s internalization of Christ.”
And he’s right. And I instantly felt convicted as a minister and church leader. I have spent my entire life imploring people to “imitate” Jesus Christ. Instead I should have spent my time and energy telling people to “internalize” Jesus Christ.
Websters defines internalization as “ incorporating (as values or patterns of culture) within the self as conscious or subconscious guiding principles through learning or socialization.” In other words, it becomes a part of us, at our core or our DNA.
So ask yourself this question: If I really allowed Jesus to be part of my DNA, what would be different about my…
- Service
- Generosity
- Quiet Time
- Social Biases
- Alone Time
How would encouraging our congregations to internalize Jesus Christ change the world?
